Signs of Spring Begin with Wildlife in Windsor

As winter wanes and warm weather becomes a regular occurrence, budding trees, bushes and manicured flower beds become the convergence of our collective attention.

A closer look at Windsor's flora and fauna, however, reveals an abundance of sure signs spring has arrived, and some of them may come as a surprise.

One of the earliest signs, according to Northwest Park Director Ford Parker, is the arrival of turkey and black vultures to town.

According to Parker, the large scavengers begin to spread their wings over Windsor's skies in February as snow begins to melt, exposing the carcasses of dead animals.

The birds can be identified by their wing shape, said Parker, who described it as a "v."

"'V' is for vulture. As opposed to a hawk, who's wings are straight when flying," Parker said.

This is also the time of year wood frogs begin to mate and vernal pools are created by the melting of snow and spring rains.

If plant life is the warm-weather signal you're looking for, forget about the pleasant perfume and pastels of blooming flowers. A more accurate indication of spring is the stinky skunk cabbage.

The cabbage grows in Windsor's wetland areas, according to Parker, and it releases a pungent odor when its leaves are damaged.

The leafy plant is often referred to as spring's first flower and is one of nature's most unique, as well. Skunk cabbages can actually regulate their own temperature, according to Nature.org, and melts the snow around it as it sprouts from the ground.